Where to Stay in Knysna: Waterfront Lodges & Forest Retreats

Knysna Hollow is a slice of paradise where the forest meets the famous Knysna Lagoon. This beloved country estate has been welcoming guests for decades, offering an authentic Garden Route experience that combines natural beauty with warm hospitality.

Accommodation ranges from charming garden rooms to spacious suites with private patios overlooking the lagoon. Wake to the sound of birdsong, enjoy breakfast on the terrace watching the boats glide by, and end your day with sundowners as the Heads turn golden in the evening light.

The on-site restaurant serves excellent cuisine using local ingredients, while the pool and gardens provide perfect spots for lazy afternoons. Knysna Hollow's location is ideal—close enough to town for easy exploration, yet secluded enough to feel like a private retreat.

Blackwaters River Lodge offers an escape into the heart of the Knysna Forest that few ever experience. Hidden along a tranquil river, this exclusive retreat provides the ultimate in privacy and natural immersion—a place where the outside world truly fades away.

The lodge comprises just a handful of luxury suites, each designed to frame the forest views while providing every modern comfort. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the outdoors in, while private decks invite hours of peaceful contemplation as the river flows by and Knysna Loeries flash through the canopy.

Activities center on the natural environment—kayaking the gentle river, guided forest walks, and world-class birdwatching. Yet the greatest luxury here is simply being present in one of South Africa's most pristine environments. Blackwaters is for travelers who understand that true luxury lies in simplicity and connection with nature.

Turbine Hotel & Spa represents Knysna's most innovative accommodation—a former power station transformed into a stunning boutique hotel that celebrates industrial heritage while delivering contemporary luxury. Located on trendy Thesen Islands, it's the coolest address in town.

Original turbines and machinery have been incorporated into the design, creating spaces that are both museum-worthy and supremely comfortable. Rooms range from cozy Turbine Rooms to expansive suites, all featuring the hotel's signature style—raw materials softened with luxurious textiles and curated art.

The spa offers treatments that draw on local ingredients, while the restaurant and bar attract locals and guests alike with creative cocktails and seasonal menus. Step outside and you're in the heart of Thesen Islands' waterfront precinct, with boutiques, galleries, and the lagoon just steps away.